Gaetan Bong's influence at Brighton is a significant reason why he earned a new contract.

Bong received a one year contract extension from the club, which came before the sacking of Chris Hughton.

But it appears the left back should still be in the plans of new boss Graham Potter.

Club chairman Paul Barber spoke about the wider influence of Bong at the club.

He told The Argus: "We all felt Gaetan had earned another contract. If we go back just a couple of years, finding a high quality left-back was very difficult and is very difficult.

"It is a position we felt we had an opportunity with a player we know who is a fantastic character.

"The supporters will see what Gaetan does on the pitch – solid, consistent, strong, difficult to get around – but what they won't know is off the pitch he is a very high quality person.

"Someone who is very respected and liked throughout the club. Just a decent man, supportive of the young players, particularly the young French-speaking players like (Yves) Bissouma who he has almost become the big brother to.

"Those sort of attributes and qualities are so valuable in a club of our size and for the coaching staff and the players.

"You know whether he plays ten games, 20 games or 38 games, he is going to be fit, reliable, positive, focused, enthusiastic, consistent and decent.

"All of those things, if you were going out to recruit a left-back, you would be looking for.

"He is proven at Premier League level. Why wouldn't you extend the contract?"